Madonna lily

American  

noun

1. a lily, Lilium candidum, having clusters of pure white, bell-shaped flowers.

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Madonna lily British  

noun

1. Also called: Annunciation lily.  a perennial widely cultivated Mediterranean lily plant, Lilium candidum, with white trumpet-shaped flowers

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Etymology

Origin of Madonna lily

First recorded in 1875–80; from the flower's frequent appearance in paintings of the Virgin Mary because of its association with purity

Example Sentences

Along Glebe House’s northern perimeter, the theme is pink and white, with a few dashes of light blue, accomplished with varieties like Madonna lilies, peonies, irises and nigella.

From New York Times

I’ll put moonflowers at its base and where you are standing, Madonna lilies.

From Project Gutenberg

For example, he records that the stamens of the Madonna lily have a different smell from the flower itself, and that the berries of the bay tree are almost, but not quite, round.

From Project Gutenberg

Two kinds should be in all gardens—the white Madonna lily, and the orange tiger lily.

From Project Gutenberg

Chiddingfold is at its best and sleepiest in high summer—a village of weatherworn red brick and Madonna lilies.

From Project Gutenberg